Eaton's U. S. Engine Valve Repeats as Toyota Honoree

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--April 3, 2002--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation , announced today that its majority-owned partnership, U. S. Engine Valve, has once again received the Superior Quality and Excellent Delivery awards from Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TMMNA). This marks the ninth consecutive year that U. S. Engine Valve has won both awards, an accomplishment that no other supplier has achieved.
    Toyota's awards are based on suppliers' performance against specific targets for quality and delivery. Winning the Superior Quality and Excellent Delivery awards means that U. S. Engine Valve has exceeded its targets for quality performance and achieved 100% on-time delivery to TMMNA this past year. The awards were presented to Eaton and U. S. Engine Valve representatives at the TMMNA Annual Supplier Awards Ceremony held March 21 in Covington, KY.
    U. S. Engine Valve is a partnership between Eaton Corporation and Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. of Japan. Located in Westminster, South Carolina, the operation supplies engine valves to Japanese vehicle manufacturers in North America and Europe, and to other North American automakers. U. S. Engine Valve is managed as part of the family of global manufacturing facilities under Eaton's Engine Air Management Operations in close cooperation with Nittan Valve Co., Ltd., Japan's largest independent manufacturer of engine valves and hydraulic valve actuation devices.
    Stephen M. Buente, Eaton's senior vice president and group executive--Automotive, said, "Eaton is extremely proud of this accomplishment by U. S. Engine Valve. It recognizes this company as an elite supplier to Toyota, who is a global automotive leader and valued customer. The record of nine consecutive awards also confirms U. S. Engine Valve as a benchmark supplier in this industry."
    Eaton is a major supplier of a wide range of components and systems to virtually all of the world's automotive original equipment manufacturers. With a primary emphasis on fuel economy, safety and environmentally friendly products, Eaton is a leader in the development of engine air management systems, and powertrain and specialty controls.

    Eaton Corporation is a global $7.3 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 49,000 employees and sells products in more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com